More Info

The Phantom of the Opera:
Marking its 25th year in production, Broadway's longest running musical, The Phantom of the Opera is continuing to mystify and thrill audiences around the world. The hit score by Andrew Lloyd Webber is just one of many reasons The Phantom of the Opera has productions currently playing around the world, including a seemingly endless touring schedule. This winner of seven Tony Awards and four Olivier Awards has no plans of shutting down soon, as audiences flock to one of the most acclaimed and praised musicals of our time. While The Phantom of the Opera will not tour in 2011, there are rumors of a new touring schedule in 2012.

In 1984, Andrew Lloyd Webber sought to produce an epic romantic musical and found inspiration in Gaston Leroux's 1909 serial, The Phantom of the Opera. After collaborating with acclaimed producer Cameron Mackintosh, the duo premiered their musical in London's West End in 1986. The Phantom of the Opera premiered on Broadway in 1988, and is still running on both sides of the Atlantic; the same cannot be said of the national tour, which ended its run in 2010.

The story takes place in late 19th century Paris, where the Paris Opéra has just been purchased by two new owners. Little do they know that the opera house and its productions are secretly run by a talented yet hideously deformed man referred to as the Phantom of the Opera, or Opera Ghost. However, chorus girl Christine knows the man as the "Angel of Music," who has taught her to sing. After making her starring debut, Christine is simultaneously courted by her childhood friend and current patron, Raoul, as well as the Phantom. The latter takes her down into the cellars where he has created a home for himself, unbeknownst to the rest of the world. Christine develops feelings for both the Phantom and Raoul until she removes the Phantom's mask and discovers his secret shame. The Phantom declares his love for Christine, and begins murdering anyone that stands in the way of her career or his love for her. With the Phantom lurking around ever corner, Christine is torn between her freedom and the lives of those around her, as well as her pity for the shunned, masked musical genius.

The Phantom of the Opera is currently playing at Her Majesty's Theatre in London's West End, and at the Majestic Theatre on Broadway. A Japanese production of the musical is currently playing at the Shiki Theater in Nagoya, and it is also playing at the Madách Theatre in Budapest. Phantom -- The Las Vegas Spectacular is currently playing at the Venetian and boasts more special effects and updated stage technology than other productions. Also, The Phantom of the Opera will be coming to South Africa this fall, with productions beginning at the Artscape Opera House in Cape Town on November 22 and at The Teatro at Montecasino in January of 2012. While there is currently no tour in 2011, anywhere in the world, there has been talk about a new tour being planned for 2012. There has also been talk that the musical's sequel, Love Never Dies, is set to open in either the US or Australia in the near future. Even in its 25th year, the producers of The Phantom of the Opera are keeping audiences coming back with fresh productions and stellar casts that will continue to make this musical timeless.